This is a statue of the Hindu elephant God Ganesh. It was part of Maya Chakravorty's altar at her home in South Croydon.

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Maya Chakravorty

Maya talks about praying to Ganesh:

"I was born into a high caste Hindu family. From a very young age I always believed in God. But as a child, my family were not into ritual worship. My grandmother believed that Hinduism was about doing good deeds and having a pure mind. On the other hand, there was much more emphasis on religious ceremonies in my parents in laws home. After I married I was encouraged into regular religious rituals.

But I never pray to the Gods to get something, like a beautiful home or a lucrative job. The most I ever ask of the Gods and Goddesses is that they protect me and keep my friends and family well. In the morning after waking up I bathe and sit down for a few minutes in front of my altar,I light a lamp and incense and say a short prayer. I start my day's prayers by invoking the name of Ganesh - the God who represents goodness and protection." Maya invokes the name

of Ganesh in Hindu.

Praying to Ganesh

Like many HindusMaya prays at her altar every morning.

All her 'pujas' or prayer rituals begin by chanting the 'mantra' or prayer invocation for Ganesh.

Ganesh is the Hindu God of protection and prudence.The different Hindu gods represent aspects of Brahman, the one eternal, supreme god.

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